Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on Nigerians to back the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as vital for long-term national growth and stability.

Kalu made the appeal while addressing the 2025/2026 cohort of Nigerian students at the Harvard Kennedy School, noting that Tinubu’s policies reflect deliberate and intentional leadership aimed at steering the country along a clear development path.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an intentional, deliberate leader who knows the direction he’s headed and is taking the country there step by step. That’s the truth, and I say this not out of political loyalty, but from objective observation,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to assess the reforms without political bias, highlighting the importance of comparing current policies with past economic efforts. “Reformers are lifelong learners. Leaders will always be viewed differently, but genuine reformers stay committed to growth and knowledge in order to leave lasting legacies,” Kalu added.

The deputy speaker also spoke on the Reserved Seats Bill, which he sponsored and is currently before the National Assembly. The bill aims to create dedicated legislative seats for women, enhancing gender inclusivity and equitable governance.
“What this bill aims to do is create a space for women. Inclusive governance is a foundation for sustainable development,” he noted.

Kalu commended Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly students at institutions like Harvard, for maintaining strong ties to their homeland and contributing positively to its development. “Even from outside the country, many Nigerians are still thinking about home. That connection is an advantage for Nigeria,” he concluded.